Maryland’s Department of the Environment, Air, and Radiation Administration has issued the final permit necessary to begin construction on US Wind’s ambitious offshore wind farm project. This milestone follows a lengthy and thorough four-year permitting process involving multiple state and federal agencies.

US Wind has already secured approvals from Maryland, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which signed off on the Construction and Operation Plan in December 2024. The latest permit covers air quality requirements for construction and operation of the Maryland Offshore Wind facility.

Jeff Grybowski, CEO of US Wind, expressed enthusiasm over the progress, stating, “We are pleased to have secured the final permit from Maryland. This project will bring significant benefits to the region, including clean energy, economic growth, and job creation. We look forward to continuing to work with the state as we advance toward bringing the project online.”

The project, a partnership between Apollo Global Management and Italy’s Renexia, holds an 80,000-acre lease from the federal government awarded in 2014. The planned wind farm will be built in two phases, featuring up to 114 turbines capable of generating between 1.8 and 2 gigawatts of electricity. It also includes the installation of four offshore substations, a meteorological tower, and multiple export cable corridors.

Located roughly 10 miles offshore from Ocean City, Maryland—a popular tourism hub—the project has faced opposition from local communities concerned about impacts on tourism and ocean fishing. Delaware residents have similarly opposed cable landing plans in their state.

Despite President Donald Trump’s vocal opposition to offshore wind projects nationwide, Maryland’s initiative has so far avoided the intense federal scrutiny seen in other states like New Jersey and New York. In those states, the Trump administration withdrew key federal permits for offshore wind developments such as the Empire Wind project, citing concerns over expedited review processes under the Biden administration.

Maryland’s latest permit decision remains subject to appeals. Opponents of offshore wind, and US Wind specifically, may file challenges by July 14, potentially triggering judicial review under Maryland law.

As the project moves closer to construction, US Wind continues to emphasize its commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, and community engagement. “We understand there are concerns, and we are dedicated to working transparently with stakeholders to ensure this project meets the highest standards,” Grybowski said.

Originally reported by The Maritime Executive.